Designing After-School Settings for 21st Century Skill Building: A Multiple Case Study Analysis

Seann Dikkers

Wed., June 09, 5:00–7:00, Great Hall

Excellence in lesson/program design is often found in the work of expert teachers that design using years of refined practice and expertise. As theorists and educational leaders, it is refreshingly compelling to see what design practices are happening in the wild. What works? With the rise of affordable digital tools and a wave of student interest, many independent afterschool programs are emerging that are iterating program designs every week that are affordable, self-maintaining, and manageable by any committed teacher. This ongoing multiple case study analysis of select settings summarizes what design principles are used and held in common across successful afterschool programs. Finally, discussion points are made to help school leaders encourage and enable teachers as they form new programs.